NFL Draft 2016: Top 8 Safeties New York Giants Should Target
By Neal Lynch
2. Vonn Bell, Ohio State Buckeyes
Height: 5 feet 11 inches | Weight: 205 pounds | Projected Round: 2-3
Vonn scored a 5.68 at the combine, which was 3rd best among safeties.
Analyst Lance Zierlein compared Bell to fellow Buckeye Kurt Coleman, who was drafted in the 7th round of the 2010 draft by the Philadelphia Eagles. Kurt’s played six years in the league, the last of which with the Carolina Panthers was his best yet.
Here’s Lance’s bottom line on Bell:
"“Though lacking in desired size and physicality, Bell has the ability to match up in space and is at his best when keeping the action in front of him…isn’t an aggressive tackler so he needs to prove he can run…”"
From WalterFootball, who ranked Vonn 4th among safety prospects:
"“Bell played well in 2015 with six interceptions, 92 tackles and six passes broken up. Generally, he was solid – minus a few coverage lapses on occasion. Bell is a quality run defender who has some versatility in pass coverage. He can play some free safety and nickel cornerback.”"
CBS Sports’ Dane Brugler compared Bell to Tashaun Gipson, formerly of the Cleveland Browns, who was a New York Giants target in free agency, but signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars for five years this offseason, noting Bell and Gipson both “hold up on an island in both man and zone coverages.” Brugler added:
"“Bell plays with the requisite mental and physical toughness and is active in run support, but needs to improve his tackling mechanics. Although not a twitchy athlete, he is a decisive reactor and collects himself well in space, projecting as an NFL starter at safety or nickel.”"
Bell’s six interceptions in 2014 were most in the Big Ten and sixth in the NCAA.
Can’t get Gipson? Go for the younger version! So, a scout says he looks smaller than his stat line. Let Landon lay the lumber and Bell can clean up with turnovers.
Check out his full scouting report on NFLMocks.com
Next: GET GNARLY WITH KARL